Russian Tycoon Stars in Graphic Novel

MOSCOW – Russian metals magnate Mikhail Prokhorov may look more like someone who should be reading comic books than starring in them, but the Brooklyn Nets owner is the hero of a new graphic novel about his life.

“As the center of his fair share of controversies over the years, the Russian billionaire has become one of the most talked about figures in Europe and beyond,” a press release for the comic declares. “A leading industrialist in Russia’s precious metals sector, Mikhail Prokhorov quickly rose to become the 7th richest man in the country. He ran against the mighty Vladimir Putin in the 2012 presidential elections, and purchased the NBA team the Nets.”

Titled, “Orbit: Mikhail Prokhorov,” the comic “details the many hats worn by the ambitious Russian — from prominent politician to owner of an American sports franchise.”

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A spokeswoman for the 47-year-old Mr. Prokhorov said he was not involved in the production of the comic book and had no further comment.

Mr. Prokhorov came in third in this year’s presidential election in Russia with about 8% of the vote and recently said he was stepping back from running his business empire to concentrate on his political party. A wealthy bachelor, he landed in hot water in 2007 when he was arrested in the French alpine resort of Courchevel on suspicion of arranging prostitutes for guests at a party he hosted. The case was later dismissed.

An avid fan of sports and physical fitness, the 6-foot-7 Mr. Prokhorov says he works out at least two hours a day and once showed off for a news crew by doing back flips on his jet ski on the Moscow River. The Nets are off to a 1-2 start in their first season in Brooklyn, but Mr. Prokhorov says he expects them to make the conference finals.

The comic is being put out in the U.S. by Bluewater Productions, an independent West coast publisher that specializes in comics focusing on the life stories of celebrities like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Prince Harry. The Prokhorov title is part of a series that has in the past featured late Apple guru Steve Jobs Microsoft founder Bill Gates and radio shock jock Howard Stern.

Comments (1 of 1)

It’s remarkable how WSJ manages to insert a poison pill in every subject related to Russia even the topic which is positive. The article claims that Prokhorov “was arrested in the French alpine resort on suspicion of arranging prostitutes.” Not at all – the case was against the company called “VIC Travel” which arranged trips to Courchevel for Prokhorov and his large retinue. Prokhorov was detained but later released as a witness. C’mon you guys.

What is nice about Prokhorov is the fact he isn’t a “bomb-thrower” and seems respectful to the Russian Constitution, unlike the other members of Russian “liberal” opposition: Alexei Navalny and other “sans-culotte”.

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